OAK PARK, Ill. (WLS) — As the anticipation builds for Sunday’s Super Bowl, football enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the big game.
Among the players set to compete are several hailing from Chicago, representing both the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks.
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Taking the field for the Patriots in Super Bowl LX will be Robert Spillane, who honed his skills at Fenwick High School in Oak Park. Notably, his grandfather’s prestigious Heisman Trophy is prominently displayed in the school’s lobby.
During his high school years at Fenwick, Spillane excelled in multiple positions, notably shining as a running back. His grandfather, Johnny Lattner, an alum of the class of 1950, also graced the Super Bowl stage, mirroring Spillane’s upcoming achievement.
“His passion for football was immense,” shared Fenwick’s athletic director, Scott Thies. “His dedication and drive certainly paid off, leading him to where he is today.”
Spillane maintains a close connection with Fenwick, having delivered the commencement speech at a recent graduation ceremony.
“It’s a great resource for our kids to learn from,” Fenwick head football coach Matt Battaglia said.
Spillane is one of several athletes from the Chicago area who will play in the big game Sunday. Rylie Mills of the Seahawks graduated from Lake Forest High School in 2020. Julian Love of the Seahawks grew up in Logan Square and played football at Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park. He’s proud of his Chicago roots.
“When you play somebody on another team that’s from Chicago, it’s a special thing, ’cause we know what it means to play high school ball and grew up in that city,” Love said.
Love now lives just down the street from his old high school and is in close touch with his former coach. He also hosts a summer football camp.
“Humble, poised, modest, really a coach’s dream,” Nazareth Academy head coach Tim Racki said.
The local players will give fans from their hometown high schools a little more to root for on Sunday.
Fenwick football player Tommy Thies wears Spillane’s jersey number.
“It just means a lot, wearing the number that he wore and everything he did for the program,” Thies said.
Fenwick officials are hoping Spillane will come back and host his football summer camp this year. They’re also hoping he’ll have a Super Bowl trophy to bring back to let them see as well.
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